September 30, 2010

Being in the fitness industry for over 20 years I thought that I have heard and seen it all. Especially when it came to excuses.

Like when a client called on September 12th, 2001 and left a voicemail “Due to the tragic events happening to our country I will no longer be able continue my training.”

Just to be fair I thought something had happened to her family but that wasn’t the case.

I rememeber when I first moved to California in 1996. I was working at LA-Fitness in Laguna Hills before I start Chiropractic school in the fall. I was eating my lunch outside when I observed an overweight gentleman pull up in a new convertible Jag. He was very nicely dressed in a designer suit, and sported a nice Rolex watch.

He showed me a note from his doctor that said “high cholesterol, borderline diabetic, high blood pressure, needs to lose 40-50lb”.

When I showed him different personal training options he looked at me like I was insane.

This happened over 14 years ago and I still can’t get over how someone would rather have material possessions over health.

Some people have to have a wake up call to realize how important their health really is.

As I was saying I thought I have seen and heard it all til last Saturday

Many of you already know that we have started an indoor boot camp. Our Boot Camp is by far the best anywhere (I am not just saying that) below is the proof:

We offer 60 classes per week. You can go as many times as you want.

We have two of the best instructors anywhere (Judy and Alejandra)

Classes are offered 6 days per week. (almost all boot camps are 3 days/week)

It’s as low as $97/month. That’s $3.23 per day

It’s indoors and in it’s own building. So not affected by outside weather.

Every Saturday we have a free one time tryout of our boot camp. This gives everyone a chance to tryout our boot camp to see if it’s the right fit for them.

Last Saturday we had a woman pull up to the “free one time tryout” of our boot camp for the 3rd week in a row.

I never had a chance to talk to her because after finishing the class she would run out faster than Wesley Snipes at an IRS building. 😆

So I figured she is not interested……

But when I saw her pull up for her 4th “free one time tryout” I was like maybe she is interested after all.

So she calls me over as she is getting out of her $70K convertible Mercedes Benz.

She asks me “Sam, it’s a free Saturday boot camp”.

I politely answered “It’s a “one time free” tryout Saturday boot camp. It seems that you are enjoying yourself being it’s your 4th time, so you’re signing up”.

She said “I can’t I am in real estate”.

That’s when I really got confused and said “It’s only $97/month”

She then replied again “But I am in real estate” like real estate was synonymous with homeless.

I was very confused and perplexed at this time and couldn’t help but say “You drive that but you can’t afford $97 for your health and wellness.”

She then got in her car and drove away mad.

As I was driving home I had to stop and fill up my car. I was reflecting about what had happened earlier.

Here are my thoughts as I was waiting to fill up my car:

$97 a month is exactly one extra gallon of extra gas for her car per day.

If she legitimately can’t afford $97 then she could get a workout by going for a run at many various parks in Chino/Chino Hills. But I still can’t seem to understand driving that kind of car and not being able to afford three bucks a day I am sorry. It probably cost her over three bucks to drive to the boot camp anyway.

Would she find me a new home and forgo her commission? Don’t think so

I often go to Starbucks or Corner Bakery to work. I love that they have free WIFI. I always make sure to purchase something. After all they are in business like everyone else to make a living NOT provide free WIFI services.

September 19, 2010

It’s actually one of my awesome clients that was ecstatic about her results at 5:30 in the morning.

But first I need to get up on my soap box for a minute and get something off my chest.

THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE DRUNK FIFTY YEAR OLD TRAINER/GYM OWNER WHO GOT KICKED OUT OF RA SUSHI AT THE CHINO HILLS SHOPPES LAST FRIDAY.

Before I start I want to thank the Sheriff department and the RA Sushi management for escorting him out of the establishment.

A BIG THANK YOU!

It’s awesome to know that so many cool people live in this area.

Okay… here’s the deal.

I’m so FREAK’IN tired of the haters!

All they put out is piss and vinegar.

They cry like little babies, put out inflammatory remarks, threats and when it comes down to backing it up don’t do S***.

To the haters I say don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you.

What’s even more funny is that the one in particular claims to be a fitness professional.

The point I want to make is:

I wouldn’t go to a dentist if his teeth is all messed up.

Would you go to a mechanic if his car constantly broke down.

I would also think twice about hiring a personal trainer if he couldn’t get anyone in shape. Or worse if he can’t get himself in shape.

S***, some don’t even have a single success story – but they manage to give themselves EXPERT status.

WTH does that mean anyway!?!

-THE JIG IS UP! –

It’s one of three things with these Jokers…

They either have ZERO industry experience and get into personal training for the wrong reasons.

They don’t have solid business systems put in place and they wonder why they have to move to a different location every few years because they can’t seem make it. One of my very good friend and client Mr. Feinman told me once “No matter where one goes they can’t escape from themselves”.

Or they catch the vapors and get VAPORIZED when someone is actually delivering great services and delivering solid results for their clients and they go into HYPER HATER-ISM mode and spew their venom.

I’m not saying that I’m all that that’s stupid!!!

Yeah, I know my stuff. And I’m REALLY good at what I do.

I still get up at 3:15am and work out at 4am. Not because I have to BECAUSE I WANT TO AND IT’S A PART OF MY LIFE.

I still work 12-15 hour days not because I have to BECAUSE I WANT TO. I LOVE WHAT I DO.

In my twenties, I was taking 14-20 units per semester, working 35-40 hours per week as a personal trainer, getting ready and winning numerous bodybuilding titles including Mr. Orange County, Mr. Los Angeles and a dozen more all while passing the National Boards of Chiropractic Examiners the first time around.

Now I own one of the most successful personal training facilities in California.

I am 37 years old now, wise enough to know to fight with my brain not with my fist. After all last time I checked our brain is what put us at the top of the food chain.

I’ve personally helped over five thousand people get in the best shape of their lives and have clients all over the world.

I’ve authored the book “Total Body Transformation Secrets” which is available worldwide. You can get it on Amazon Here, download it here: www.TotalBodyTransformation.com or come support me on September 25th at my book signing at Barnes and Noble in Chino Hills. I will donate my portion of the profits to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

I’m not saying any of this to toot my own horn or to impress you. Most of you reading this already know this stuff.

I’m telling you this to impress upon you that my industry, like all industries has its good, bad, ugly and THE HATERS!!!

My advice to you… BEWARE OF THE SKINNY CHEF.

Or in this case … THE DRUNK TRAINER FIFTY YEAR OLD OUT OF SHAPE TRAINER.

And NEVER EVER be a hater.

If you aren’t good at something, either get good at it or get the F#%K out and choose another industry.

Because haters never prosper.

Okay, where were we before the haters interrupted?… OH yes, here is yet another client totally ecstatic at Fitness Concepts. (A lesson to be learned here)

Do you have Haters? Leave me a comment and let’s share some Hater stories.

July 21, 2010

Recently my very good friend, client and dentist extraordinaire Dr. Soboh was nominated as one of the top dentists in LA. I happen to be there the day they were filming video. Dr. Soboh’s office is truly more like a spa than a dental office. The service is Impeccable.

Of course I always try to get something for my clients and Dr. Soboh promised to take special care of Fitness Concepts clients.

I need your opinion: How would you rate my performance in front of camera. Do you think I am ready for Hollywood?